Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act

This bill, the Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act, aims to modernize K-12 mathematics education by coordinating federal research and development efforts. Congress finds that current math education is not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving needs of the public and private sectors, leading to a significant STEM skills shortage and a lack of preparedness for data-driven and computational careers. To address this, the legislation authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education and non-profit organizations. These awards will fund research and development activities that advance innovative approaches to teaching mathematical and statistical modeling , data science, operations research, and computational thinking in public schools. Funds can be used for professional development for educators, research on curricula using real data, and fostering partnerships to support students, especially those historically underrepresented in STEM, through critical transitions from school to careers. Additionally, the bill directs the NSF to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) for a comprehensive study. This study will examine factors and barriers to implementing mathematical and statistical modeling in K-12 education, assess teacher preparation programs, and identify effective communication strategies for stakeholders. NASEM will then provide recommendations for legislative and administrative actions to modernize these educational processes, with the grant program and study authorized for funding from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.